Bill C-51 Anti-Terrorism laws: Plenty of Hubbub

[Oddmott]

Lots of noise and differing opinions on this one.

Let's try to keep the discussion civil (for once).

I know Harper's Cons have a lot of supporters on this site, but considering how so many of you/them/us are very reluctant to give up any more civil liberties than we already have... i'd be surprised if there isn't significant concern over just how far this bill goes, and just how easily it will become to be branded a "terrorist" under it.

We're not talking about only muslim jihadists here. We're talking about little white grandmothers who speak out publicly against pipelines, etc. being listed as "threats".

[terrym]

Harper has a bad habit of taking the right ideas too far. Haven't read the details of this but I am personally OK with giving up a certain level of privacy to improve security. This Islamic war is only beginning. When you have Canadian citizens return home after spending time with these terrorists they aren't coming back because their contracts are up. They are coming back as agents of the cause and are expected to attack us on our soil. We have been lucky so far in stopping some attacks but it is naive to think some won't succeed. Airports, bus terminals, malls, public utilities are all near impossible to protect 100%. I would worry more about that risk. As extreme as Harper can be I am far more concerned at how weak JT would be and how it would make us vulnerable to extremist attacks. These people are savages bent on murder and mayhem. It is way past time to talk about it only. We need to engage them militarily and destroy them. These people are starting to make the Nazis and Hitler look like boy scouts. This link is just today's example of what they believe in:

http://www.thestar.com/news/world.html

http://www.thestar.com/news/world/20...at-online.html

[JMatthews]

In light of the number of events in the last 6 months, I don't have a problem with the government having more power to control possible terrorists. Sadly, I think that it get worse before it gets better, even with the new powers included in the bill.

[Hunter John]

No problem here.

[terrym]

The bill will not deter them in the least. Not going to happen. If it enables the authorities to protect us from them more effectively then I'm good with that. I am of the belief that there are many things that should in fact "not" be public knowledge for our own best interests.

[JBen]

I have said for years, probably going back to 9/11 and that afternoon, that life as we knew it, had changed. When few realized what the implications were and then subsequently some changes started coming in, and homeland security and many more. They are winning and laughing at the irony.

In the voice of Monty Hall "C'mon down"

Door #1
We take it like putzes and will if JT/Dion/TM and the likes get in

Door #2
We give up some civil liberties and start fighting back.

Door #3
We give up even more civil liberties because we don't have the stomach for a fight.


Pick a side.

I'm fine with this bill

[line052]

Bring back the inquisitions. I have no problems with more teeth in rooting out the bad apples. Most of the people on this site are gun owners, and in my experience are better citizens, as we have much more to lose over non gun owners. I agree some risk to civil liberties is at risk, but honestly we don’t have much civil rights in Canada anyways. It will catch those who need to be caught and make it easier to for agencies to be more legal to track and collect info.

If you think you have rights in Canada, try this, strap your shotgun to your back pointing down..and take a stroll down the main street. In most areas, this is not illegal, but I guarantee you will get at least a disturbing the peace or arrested…. For doing something legal, but not perceived well out there. Most smart, legal gun owners would never risk this behavior, but it is not illegal… The perception of your rights verses the reality of situation. We say we are free, but it does not seem that way at times.

[Oddmott]

All these comments are pretty mellow.

Unfortunately they've just made it clear that the majority of Canadians likely aren't familiar with what the bill covers, proposes or just how far reaching the new measures would be.

As i said, peaceful environmental activists will be included and tracked and reported on as "threats". This is going well beyond simply tracking truly violent terrorist groups/individuals.

This is an abuse of power and a severe invasion of privacy. When law abiding Canadians will have watch dogs set upon them simply for voicing their thoughts against a pipeline or new fracking development in posts on their facebook... we have a major issue.

It's sad that the only thing that'll get most here up in arms, is a direct threat to gun ownership... and that's it.

[terrym]

I think "peaceful environmentists" in many cases are probably dangerous people too.

[Bushmoose]

Unfortunately they've just made it clear that the majority of Canadians likely aren't familiar with what the bill covers, proposes or just how far reaching the new measures would be.

I will admit, I am one of those Canadians. No excuse other than complacency? I will however read up on it and collect my thoughts about it. Thanks for posting!